to: allow the Australian Secret Intelligence Service (ASIS) to provide for the protection of its staff members and agents, including the provision of self-defence training and weapons for use outside Australia under strict conditions, such as reporting to the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security on the discharge of any such weapons; and allow ASIS to accept protection from other agencies, including armed protection in certain circumstances. Also contains an application provision.

Establishes a maritime transport security regulatory framework, including an enforcement regime and provides for flexibility to respond to the changing threat environment; and aligns Australian maritime transport security with international obligations under the Safety of Life at Sea Convention 1974. Also contains a regulation-making power.

Introduced with the Spam Bill 2003, the bill makes consequential amendments to the

Telecommunications Act 1997

and the

Australian Communications Authority Act 1997

to provide a framework for the Australian Communications Authority to enforce the scheme regulating the sending of commercial electronic messages, including development of industry codes and standards, power to seek monitoring and investigatory warrants, and investigation of complaints and possible breaches. Also contains transitional provisions.

to provide the proposed Western Australian Corruption and Crime Commission (WACCC) and the proposed Parliamentary Inspector with access to relevant intercepted information; and to permit telecommunications interception warrants to be sought for slavery, sexual servitude, deceptive recruiting and aggravated people smuggling offences;

Financial Transaction Reports Act 1988

to provide the WACCC with access to financial transaction reports information; and

in relation to the Wreck Bay Aboriginal Community Council by: modifying quorum requirements for general meetings; extending the timeframe within which new by-laws must be given to the Minister; and enabling the Minister to appoint an Australian Public Service employee within a portfolio agency as the Registrar of the Council.

to: extend the closing date for applications for Farm Help Income Support to 30 June 2004 and the deadline for Farm Help Income Support payments to 30 June 2005; and make administrative changes to the Farm Help program;

Farm Household Support Amendment Act 2003

to make a minor technical correction; and

Social Security Act 1991

to make a consequential amendment. Also contains application, saving and transitional provisions.

Part of a package of three bills to establish a framework for the Commonwealth funding of higher education, the bill replaces the current arrangements under the

Higher Education Funding Act 1988

and provides for: grants (primarily through the Commonwealth Grants Scheme) and other payments to higher education providers; financial assistance to students including: HECS-HELP assistance for student contribution amounts, FEE-HELP assistance for tuition fees, and OS-HELP assistance for overseas study; a Student Learning Entitlement equivalent to 7 years of full-time study; repayment of student loans; administrative matters; provision of higher education in the external Territories; and review of the impact of the proposed Act.